UC students advocate for funding support and inclusivity programs amid budget cuts

In a gathering marked by urgency and hope, students and faculty from California's University of California system voiced their concerns and aspirations during the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance meeting on April 22, 2025. The atmosphere was charged as they addressed looming budget cuts that threaten the very fabric of their educational experience.

Angela Negley, a student from UC Irvine, opened the dialogue with a heartfelt plea, highlighting the potential impact of an almost 11% reduction in the UC budget. She emphasized the need for the Department of Finance to seek equitable solutions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as international and undocumented students. “These cuts will be disproportionately impactful to my community,” she stated, urging the state to promote inclusivity and safeguard student rights.

Following her, Robin, a PhD student in computer science at UC Davis, shared a personal story that underscored the importance of support programs like Cal Bridge. Coming from a family of paramedics, Robin expressed a desire to develop technology that aids first responders, crediting Cal Bridge for enabling her academic journey. “I would not be here as a researcher today if it were not for Cal Bridge,” she said, calling for continued support for the program.

Jay Sharping, a long-time member of UC Merced, painted a picture of growth and potential, reminding attendees that investing in higher education yields high returns in innovation and prosperity. He cited successful alumni from the Cal Bridge program who are now contributing to fields like clean energy and quantum computing. “UC Merced and Cal Bridge are building the future California needs,” he asserted, appealing for ongoing support.

Professor David Sherbet from UC Merced echoed these sentiments, sharing his experiences mentoring Cal Bridge students. He noted the program's role in preparing students for graduate school and fostering professional development. “Given the uncertainties at the federal level for support for higher education, continuing to fund Cal Bridge should be a priority,” he urged, emphasizing the program's significance in nurturing the next generation of scholars.

As the meeting progressed, the collective voices of students and educators painted a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities facing California's higher education landscape. Their stories underscored a critical moment for the state, where decisions made today could shape the future of countless students and the broader community. The call for support resonated deeply, leaving a lingering question: how will California respond to the urgent needs of its educational institutions?